Organ Donors in South Africa

In South Africa, less than one percent of the population are registered organ donors. This is a worrying fact due to there being many South Africans who are waiting to have life-saving organ transplant surgery.

According to Health24, in 2017, less than 0,2% of South Africans registered as organ donors. This is affecting South Africa as there are more than 4 300 adults and children who are waiting to have an organ or a corneal transplant.

By registering as an organ donor, you are giving someone the gift of life. It’s something that can save the lives of up to seven people who really need organs.

How to register:

Visit the website: www.odf.org.za or give the foundation a phone call: 0800 22 66 11
Once you have signed up, you will receive a card to carry with you which states that you would like your organs to be donated.

Take a look at the FAQs on Organ Donation to help make your decision:

The process is straightforward. Register online or call the Organ Donors Foundation’s toll-free line on 0800 22 66 11. We will then send you a small organ donor card to fill in and carry in your wallet. We will also send you a sticker to put on your ID document and on your driver’s license. It is very important to discuss the decision with your family. Let them know that you want to donate your organs/tissue after death. Ask them to honour your wish when you die.

Having a medical condition does not necessarily prevent a person from becoming an organ/tissue donor. The decision about which organs/tissue will be transplanted will be established at your time of death.

No. Medical tests will only be carried out at the time of death. This will involve medical professionals evaluating your medical and social history, carrying out blood and culture tests and conducting a physical examination. This is done to ensure that your organs and tissue are suitable for donation.

An organ transplant takes place after an individual has been declared brain dead but is still being supported on a respirator, whereas tissue retrieval can still take place several hours and even days after death.

Another difference is that the recipient will receive the donated organ shortly after retrieval, whilst tissue is usually stored in a special Tissue Bank and is therefore available for use as and when needed.

It is essential that organs are removed as soon as possible after brain death has been declared in order to ensure successful transplantation. The legislation requires brain death to be certified by two independent doctors.

In the case of tissue, a donation can take place up to a few days after death. Many people die at work or on the roads and never make it to the hospital. In such instances an organ donation would not be possible, however, a tissue donation, which is equally needed and valuable, can be successfully carried out.

Two doctors, who are completely independent of the transplant team, have to perform detailed tests before a person can be declared brain dead. The criteria for brain death is very strictly adhered to and accepted medically, legally and ethically in South Africa and internationally.

No. The utmost respect and dignity are given to the donor at all times. The recovery of organs and tissue is carried out with great care by surgeons and trained staff and the process does not change the way the body looks.

Yes. You can change your mind at any time. Simply tear up your organ donor card and remove the sticker from your ID document and driver’s license. Please inform your family that you no longer wish to be an organ / tissue donor.

Note: All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgement available to the authors, and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. Errors and Omissions Excepted. Terms and Conditions Apply.

SECTION 3: REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

It is very important that the medical aid statement reflecting the claims submitted, the hospital account and the doctor's statements are provided with this claim! If these documents are not attached it will be considered an invalid claim.

The following documentation is required BEFORE a claim can be processed. Please use the tick boxes to ensure that you have included the required documentation:

1. First 2 pages of Hospital Account or Pre-Authorisation Letter

I confirm that the first 2 pages of the Hospital Account or Pre-Authorisation Letter is attached.

2. Medical Aid Statement

I confirm that the Medical Aid Statement is attached.

3. Doctor / Service Provider Statement

I confirm that the Doctor / Service Provider Statement* is attached.

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SECTION 4: POLICYHOLDER'S BANKING DETAILS - FOR CLAIMS REFUND PROCESS

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As per the terms and conditions of this policy all the required information must be submitted to TRA within 3 months of the date of medical aid processing the claim after which the claim will be considered "stale". Refunds are generally made directly into the policyholder's bank account.

I declare that the aforegoing details are, to the best of my knowledge true, correct and complete: